‘Rush’ transports Formula One expert/history teacher back 37 years

On Sept. 29 Daniel Neukom, history teacher and Formula One racing fanatic, saw the new movie “Rush.” The movie features the rivalry between up-and-coming British driver James Hunt and Niki Lauda, the previous Formula One world champion.

A: I loved F1 racing in middle school. I was 13, and it was a transition from cowboys and Indians.

Q: Have you ever wished you were a professional racer?

A: I wanted to be a race car driver, but it’s very risky. I remember going to a race at Candlestick Park in 1965 and watching driver Bart Martin hit a light pole, which then dropped to the ground. He tried to get out, but the wires hit his car and created an explosion. He burned to death.

Q: What do you like about F1 racing?

A: I love the technology of the cars, speed, noise and glamour. I also like the aspect of it being a world sport instead of a national sport..

Q: What did you enjoy most about the movie?

A: I loved how it transported me back 37 years ago. They really captured the fashion and era. I remember (on the day of the final race of the 1976 season in Japan) I was at my girlfriend’s house. I called the San Francisco Chronicle and asked for the sports desk to find out who won the championship. It was James Hunt, my hero!

Q: How was the acting?

A: Wonderful. They made great use of language, and both lead actors were amazingly in character.

Q: Was the movie accurate?

A: Of course there were some Hollywood effects, but it was quite true to the incredible history of that epic F1 season.